Chapter 3 ODD ATMOSPHERE

Julian stepped out of the sleek black car onto the polished pavement outside Saint Claire Empire. The soft click of the closing door echoed behind him as he took a deep breath and looked up at the towering building. Composed and confident, he made his way through the glass doors and into the heart of the empire.

But something was off.

The usual buzz of activity was replaced with a heavy, unsettling stillness. The energy in the air was muted, shadows of grief clouding the space where excitement usually thrived.

"Good morning, sir," Albert, his assistant, greeted with a quiet nod.

Julian narrowed his eyes. "Why is it so quiet? What's going on?"

Albert lowered his voice. "Sir... there's been an accident. The news just broke-Mr. Gideon, our top marketer, was in a fatal crash this morning on his way to work. He didn't survive."

The words hit Julian like a punch to the chest. For a moment, he didn't speak. His breath caught in his throat, and a mix of disbelief and sadness settled in his chest.

Without another word, he turned and walked to his office, his pace slow, expression grim.

Minutes later, a soft knock broke the silence.

"Come in," Julian called.

Lexi stepped in gently, her footsteps nearly silent. She moved with grace, but her eyes reflected concern.

"I saw the news... I came as soon as I could," she said softly. "How are you holding up?"

Julian let out a slow breath, rubbing his hands together. "I don't know. Part of me is grieving... but another part of me is already thinking about the marketing event coming up. Is that selfish?"

Lexi walked closer and sat across from him. "It's not selfish, Julian. It's what leaders do-they carry the weight, even when it's heavy."

He gave her a weak smile. "It's just... we're two weeks out from a major launch. And Gideon was the best. I have no idea who can fill that void."

There was a pause, filled only by the rhythmic ticking of the wall clock.

Suddenly, Julian's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen. "Dad."

He answered, voice low. "Hello, Dad."

"I just heard the news," his father said, his voice strained. "Gideon is gone?"

"Yes."

"Son, that's a major blow. What's your plan for replacing him?"

"I'm not sure yet. But I'll have to find someone. Fast."

"I trust you," his father said simply.

"Thank you, Dad." Julian hung up and leaned back in his chair. The call, brief as it was, had brought him a strange sense of calm.

He glanced over at Lexi, who had remained quiet, watching him with soft eyes.

"Would you like to grab a coffee?" he asked suddenly.

Lexi blinked in surprise, her lips parting in amusement. "Seriously? Now?"

He chuckled under his breath. "Yeah. I just... need a moment to breathe."

Her expression softened, and a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. "Then let's go."

Julian stood, walked over, and opened the door for her. "After you."

Together, they stepped out of the office and into the unknown, the weight of grief still lingering-but so too, perhaps, the start of something else.